Medical Technician

***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION***


Major duties and responsibilities will include:

• Using microscopes centrifuges incubators balances and instruments to perform laboratory tests and analyze body fluids and other substances to determine the presence or absence of disease or other abnormal conditions;
• Receiving collecting sorting recording storing and/or shipping clinical laboratory specimens so that appropriate testing/diagnostic procedures can be performed;
• Obtaining additional data or information from healthcare providers as needed;
• Maintaining the laboratory and equipment in a clean and safe condition;
• Calibrating and maintaining laboratory instrumentation and equipment;
• Monitoring specimens equipment and laboratory for acceptability;
• Ensuring that sufficient supply of reagents standards and controls are available at all times; and preparing reagents controls etc.;
• Recommending changes in procedure to improve efficiency accurately and safety;
• Establishing inventory and equipment maintenance requirements and maintaining appropriate inventories and maintenance schedules;
• Assisting in training personnel and/or students in laboratory procedures and laboratory safety;
• Functioning as a point of contact for implementation of safety regulations and safe working conditions and is accountable to the supervisory to report conditions and progress on eliminating discrepancies;
• Accepting/documenting incoming patient specimens using the designated computer system;
• Processing specimens and selecting appropriate procedures based on knowledge of the type of specimens patient information and laboratory resources;
• Reporting all specimen problems according to established guidelines;
• Performing a variety of laboratory tests both new and established that involve very fine distinctions in analytical methods;
• Entering test results into hospital computer system verifying the accuracy completeness and validity;
• Evaluating the validity of data in relation to the test system and assay procedures;
• Correlating and integrating information and performing additional testing to confirm abnormal results as per policies and procedures;
• Participating in quality assurance activities;
• Performing related duties as required.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm
Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: May be authorized for highly qualified candidates
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved
Telework: This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

As a condition of employment for accepting this position you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public determining if your employment advances the public interest we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position.

To qualify for this position you must meet one of the following:
-SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 grade level in Federal service performing technical medical laboratory support work such as: performing laboratory tests and examinations (chemical microbiologic hematologic and blood banking) and preparing reports of findings; or technical support work in a closely related field e.g. biological laboratory technician work that required application of the methods and techniques for the position to be filled. This experience must be documented in your resume to receive credit. OR

-EDUCATION: A bachelors degree or 4 years of study leading to a bachelors degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects appropriate to the position (such as chemistry biological sciences hematology microbiology serology etc.). Transcripts required. OR

-COMBINATION: An equivalent combination of successfully completed specialized experience and post-high school education as described that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. Your experience must be documented and transcripts are required.


You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position:

• Analytical Reasoning
• Clerical
• Diagnostic Medical Testing
• Technical Competence

IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies knowledge and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience including volunteer experience.

Physical Requirements: Work is performed in a laboratory atmosphere and requires regular exertion such as walking bending recurrent standing and moderate lifting. The work requires specific physical characteristics and abilities and dexterity needed to perform intricate analytical and technical procedures. Data entry includes patient information test orders and other critical data in a computer that may result in physical problems from the effects of repetitive motion and eyestrain. The incumbent must have normal color vision correctable to 20/20. The position may also require assisting geriatric and/or disabled patients.

For more information on these qualification standards please visit the United States Office of Personnel Managements website at